It wasn't clear whether the Arsenal target would be starting - for obvious reasons - and he was greeted with a huge banner that read: "No player is bigger than the club" as he made his way onto the Signal Iduna Park pitch.

But the Gabon international didn't appear to let the pressure get the better of him, and started the game brightly as the focal point of an energetic front three including Jadon Sancho on his left, and Christian Pulisic on his right.

He played no part as Dortmund took the lead in the ninth minute, but was in the box as a searching ball was played forward.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a surprise starter for Dortmund (Image: REUTERS)

The Gabon international showed intelligence in the build-up to Dortmund's goal (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Aubameyang demonstrated his pace against Freiburg (Image: REUTERS)

He showed intelligence to back out the way to allow his team-mate Lukasz Piszczek - who was in a better position than he was - to have a shot at goal. The ball was then deflected to former Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa, who volleyed his side ahead.

Aubameyang found himself being jeered by his own supporters when he picked up the ball on the wing shortly before the half-hour mark. He had them clapping an effort just moments later however, when he met a cross with his head that hit the roof of the net.

He also very nearly got himself on the end of a through ball minutes before the break - showcasing his excellent pace from a standing start - but was just beaten to the punch and the chance came to nothing.

In the second half the Gabon was quiet and seemingly content just to stand in the box and wait for something to happen.

Fortunately Nils Petersen - his opposite number - was on fire, and gave spectators plenty to ogle at with two brilliant goals, particularly his second.

Aubameyang was isolated for large spells of the game against Freiburg (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

The Gabon provided little in attack in the Bundesliga clash (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Aubameyang's future is still up in the air as Arsenal chase the forward (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

In all the Gabon, who played the full 90 minutes of the fixture, showcased his intelligence on Saturday. He played very much on the shoulder of the last defender, but appeared far too reliant on his team-mates creating something for him to finish rather than doing anything else productive.

He'll certainly provide the likes of Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere with something to aim at. But Arsenal arguably have that player in Alexandre Lacazette - a man who will find himself isolated if starved of service.

Alexis Sanchez provided far more for the Gunners than just an ability to hit the back of the net. He started attacks from his own half, created something out of nothing, and defended from the front to ensure Arsenal would win the ball back quickly.

Whether Aubameyang will be a like-for-like Sanchez replacement remains to be seen, but he's certainly an intelligent striker who can be ruthless in front of goal.

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